Iraq: How, Where, For Whom? is the first collaborative exhibition between Iraqi artist Hanaa’ Malallah and UK duo kennardphillipps, who share a critical and reflective view of the occupation/invasion of Iraq. The exhibition features large-scale collages, installations, photomontage pieces and sculptures.

Malallah’s work uses burnt canvas, cloths, wire, found objects and paint to create violently abstract yet sensuous pieces. Using what the artist refers to as her ‘ruins technique’, her work not only testifies to the destruction of Iraq, but also to the transformative potential of destruction. The exhibition features many new works by the artist, exhibited here for the first time.

kennardphillipps’ work manipulates and subverts press material on the Iraq War and subsequent occupation to create opposing images and narratives. The works featured range from those that directly adapt media imagery for immediate impact, to those that require the viewer to make a closer, more critical inspection.

In both artistic approaches, questions are raised over the claims that the invasion of Iraq brought freedom and a better future to its people. But the artists also interrogate and subvert the powerful tools of modern mass media, posing questions about democracy and the representation of conflict, inviting us to become more rigorous and engaged spectators.

To accompany this exhibition we launch a new series of occasional talks at The Mosaic Rooms, WHAT PURPOSE FREE SPEECH WHEN NO ONE LISTENS? The talks will reflect on the nature and meaning of democracy both in the context of the Arab world as well as of our own political culture in the UK and the West.  LISTINGS HERE

Exhibition open Tue-Sat 11-6pm, entrance free

EXHIBITION LEAFLET